September 16, 1998

WHAT: Will offer a keynote address on upcoming topics in
Congress related to the Americans with Disabilities
Act and the Individuals with Disabilities Education
Act and success stories resulting from their
implementation

Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said: "This
year's theme for Disability Employment Awareness Month is
'Opening Doors to Ability.' Sen. Harkin continues his
advocacy for people with disabilities and is truly one of
the great Americans in helping to open the doors of
opportunity. We are, indeed, honored to have him speak at
the Library."

Interpreting services (American Sign Language, Contact
Signing, Oral and/or Tactile) will be provided if requested
five business days in advance of the event. Call (202) 707-
6362 TTY and voice to make a specific request. For other ADA
accommodations, contact the Disability Employment office at
(202) 707-9948 TTY and (202) 707-7544 voice. The speech is
free and open to the public. Neither tickets nor
reservations are required.

BACKGROUND:

Sen. Harkin was the chief sponsor of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990, and continues his role in the
Senate as a longtime advocate for people with disabilities.
He was co-sponsor in 1997 of legislation directing the
Department of the Interior to raise private money to create
a statue addition to the FDR Memorial in Washington to
provide recognition of the fact that President Roosevelt's
national and international leadership was provided while he
used a wheelchair.

Sen. Harkin applauded professional golfer Casey
Martin's February court victory in Oregon allowing him to
use a golf cart as a reasonable accommodation. And in June,
Sen. Harkin offered an amendment to the defense bill to
nearly double funding for Gulf War illness research.

A reception will follow Sen. Harkin's keynote address.

For information about other Disability Employment
Awareness Month events at the Library of Congress, call
William Haig at (202) 707-7544 voice, (202) 707-9948 TTY or
e-mail him at whai@loc.gov.